Under Great Transformation

One of the biggest projects hosted by Extreme Community Makeover each year is Go: Westwood. Every year, hundreds of volunteers and Westwood residents get together to clean alleys, remove graffiti, do community art projects, prepare gardens for planting, and do cleanups on Morrison Road and Alameda Avenue. This is all in an effort to help to revitalize the Westwood neighborhood. This year's Go: Westwood project is Saturday, April 22, 2017.

The Westwood neighborhood is a dense, predominately single-family residential neighborhood in southwest Denver with a population of 16,928 [2013]. In Westwood, 79% percent of residents are Latino, 11% are white, 1% Native American, 6% Asian, and 1% is African American. A large proportion of the population is recently arrived, mostly Mexican immigrants. More than 26% [2013] of residents do not speak English, and over 13% of births are to foreign mothers. Learn more.

Westwood Treasures

Here are some exciting things about the Westwood neighborhood. We hope you'll take the time to explore this vibrant neighborhood and learn more about these treasures.

Westwood Unidos

The mission of Westwood Unidos is, “To unify and organize resident leaders and community-based organizations to take positive action on the topics residents identify as most important.” Westwood Unidos is a partner with ECM. The organization works on issues identified by residents in the following areas:

1. The Safety Action Committee is working on clean and safe alleys, lighting, and loose dogs
2. The Built Environment Action Committee is working on traffic calming, lighting, beautification of alleys, and new development
3. La Casita is a community-led Learning and FItness Center in Westwood.
4. The Cavities Get Around- SW Denver coalition is creating a movement that results in limiting the consumption of sugary-beverages and taking care of baby teeth.

Kahlo's Restaurant

If you want to experience traditional Mexican food, Kahlo is your place. It's located at 3735 Morrison Road and it is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Westword wrote an article in 2016 before it opened calling it, "one new bright spot" (read article). 

Urban Land Conservancy - Futsal Court

Urban Land Conservancy is a leadership partner of ECM. Urban Land Conservancy acquires, develops and preserves community real estate assets in urban areas for a variety of community needs such as schools, affordable housing, community centers and office space for nonprofits. Their goal to improve the Denver region through strategic real estate development has been noted in CityLab from The Atlantic and The Guardian.

Futsal Court

Last fall, Extreme Community Makeover helped to put together a new Futsal court in the Westwood community, made possible by Urban Land Conservancy. Radian Inc. designed the court. Radian is a non-profit architecture and urban planning group focusing on creating healthier and sustainable communities. Learn more.

Westwood Park

Like the Westwood neighborhood in general, Westwood Park is going through a lot of transformation too. The city council approved a plan to improve the Westwood neighborhood. So, Westwood Park is on the list to get a makeover - learn more. Soon, Westwood residents will be able to enjoy a new, beautiful, revitalized park. Westwood Park is location at 4951 W Kentucky Ave.

Statement From Denver Mayor Michael Hancock 

“I would like to thank all the community members, city agencies and Denver City Council members who came together to make this Westwood Neighborhood Plan a reality. Westwood is a vibrant and culturally diverse neighborhood, and I’m so proud that this new plan will help provide a healthier, more livable and sustainable community. Together, we will create a more connected neighborhood that is affordable for its residents.”

Westwood is going thru a lot of revitalization thanks to the men and women who have a heart to transform this great neighborhood. You too can help this neighborhood succeed by learning more about the Westwood treasures. Also, participation in Go: Westwood is an experience you won't soon forget. Signup for Go:Westwood - 2017 Go Westwood Flyer